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Probation

Probation Services and Alcoholics Anonymous

Cooperation with the professional community is an objective of Alcoholics Anonymous, and has been since AA's beginnings.

AA always welcomes your comments and suggestions. These have been used to produce a range of resources for probation officers worldwide who are trying to help people who suffer from the disease of alcoholism

Resources for Probation Officers

"It Sure Beats Sitting in a Cell" is an illustrated pamphlet that presents the experience of seven inmates who found A.A. while in prison. It also offers suggested dos and don’ts for staying sober after release. Glued at the spine for distribution in corrections facilities. (12MB)

A.A. SPEAKERS

AA can provide speakers for any meetings of officers that you have.

Speakers will share their experience strength and hope with your officers and explain what AA does (and does not) do for the still suffering alcoholic.

A Probation Officer asked ...

... IF I WANTED TO STOP DRINKING

When I was 79, I was arrested again. Although this time it was different. A probation officer asked me if I wanted to quit drinking. I said yes, and he went on to tell me about Alcoholics Anonymous and about the local municipal court alcoholic rehabilitation program. He asked me if I wanted to try it, and I figured I had nothing to lose, so I started going to meetings at the court.

I went to one meeting with a half-pint of wine hidden in my shirt. A grey-haired man named Jim said he was an alcoholic and had drunk for a long time, but in A.A. he'd learnt how to stop drinking and start living. He asked if there were any questions. I asked if this organisation expected a man 79 years old, who had drunk all his life, to stop drinking just like that. Jim said if he'd done it I could do it too. I figured maybe he was right, so I reached inside my shirt, took out the half-pint and gave it to the man sitting next to me. I haven't had a drink since...

...The years are going by -- one day at a time -- and I guess I don't have too much longer to live. But I don't care. The main thing I want is to die sober. Meanwhile, I try to help the younger people find sobriety and happiness the way I have. I tell them, "If I can do it, so can you." My name is Louis. Read my story here.